Suffolk News reviews the Ipswich Regent’s 2023 pantomime Sleeping Beauty starring Vicki Michelle and Twist and Pulse

We went along to the Ipswich Regent Theatre for the opening night of Sleeping Beauty, alongside two mini-reviewers.

Our special invite to the pantomime, running until December 31, promised a show packed with sensational songs, dazzling dance routines and fabulous 3D.

Like all big pantos Sleeping Beauty featured a line-up of stars, which this year included actor Vicki Michelle and dancers Twist and Pulse.

In an explosion of colour and energy, the pantomime burst into life on Friday night as it started its annual run.

Vicki Michelle, who many will remember from her role in ‘Allo ‘Allo, leads the way as wicked fairy Carabos.

Her star quality is evident every time she steps on to the stage - to raucous boos from the audience.

She is accompanied by henchmen Twist and Pulse, who rose to fame on Britain’s Got Talent, while Mike Squeaky McLean - who I remember from his Big Breakfast days - provided comedy as the bumbling Mumbles.

There were plenty of nods to Suffolk’s very own Ed Sheeran and even a mention of Ipswich Town’s upcoming derby day clash with Norwich.

The first half felt laboured at times, with sound levels hindering clarity of dialogue and vocals at times.

Rosie, nine, and Clara, seven, were not phased by this, but us mums did struggle to understand why the characters were suddenly at school (although it gave the ‘dame’ Queen Camilla the chance to display some seriously impressive skating skills).

We also felt some of the first half humour - spoken and physical - was a little adult for a family audience.

However, the exhilarating second half made up for any kinks.

With memorable song and dance numbers including the Time Warp, a flying Fairy and Mumbles, fire-breathing dragon and a happy ending, the pace really picked up and we were all happily along for the ride.

Having been handed 3D glasses, the girls were itching to put them on.

The moment finally arrived in an enchanted forest, with the characters singing Ghostbusters - with plenty of audience interaction - in front of a 3D projection.

Behind the actors floated a very cheeky little ghost, who soared over the audience, fired spiders into our midst and more thanks to the wonders of technology.

It was highly effective and had the audience jumping and squealing with delight.

Another high point was a dance set by the excellent Twist and Pulse, displaying the full range of their creative and dance talents.

Huge cheers and applause greeted its conclusion. I just wish we had seen even more of the pair.

By the time children from the audience filed on stage to be ‘interviewed’ by Muddles, we were all well and truly in the panto spirit.

The performance closed with an ABBA song and dance medley the audience was dancing in the aisles.

Sleeping Beauty is packed with fun, energy and a sprinkling of festive magic.

Performances run until December 31, with tickets priced from £15.

Review by Camille Berriman and Suzanne Day, with a little bit of help from Clara and Rosie (now firm members of the Twist and Pulse fan club).